Microsoft rings the changes with Halo 3 Xbox

Another week, another special edition Xbox 360 is unveiled for the gaming community. This time it's a design based on perhaps one of the Microsoft console's biggest-selling game series, Halo.

Tough enough to survive a Halo 3 thrashing?

Based specifically on Halo 3, which isn't due to arrive in UK shops until 25 September, the war-battered, post-apocalyptic green machine also features classic Halo orange shades around the top and on the machine's disc-loading tray front.

Across the topside and around the power-on button of the console, Microsoft has also sketched in Halo-equse designs and added a Halo emblem, which is also included on the front flap that conceals the console's USB ports.

The wireless controller has also been dipped in green.

The console hasn't been given any technical updates, but it's sure to catch the eyes of die-hard Halo fans, of which there are plenty.

The Halo 3 Edition Xbox 360 will be available around the same time as Halo 3 hits the shops, but pricing is yet to be confirmed.

Meanwhile, Microsoft has once again shown off its Xbox 360 QWERTY keyboard for instant messaging, sadly not based on Halo, but designed to enable users to chat over Xbox Live. The keyboard connects to any Xbox 360 controller and can be used during gameplay.

Microsoft's Xbox 360 keyboard

The keyboard is due for a US release in early September, priced at $30 (£14/€21). No official word has yet been uttered about a European release.